Page 149 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
In the past, we have held our AGM and Christmas functions with the Military at Preston. Being central to the North West Association it was an ideal location, but the military has reshaped, resized and reformed, so accommodation and the usually extended greetings to the old and bold have now ceased. The WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess have several units vying for a date around the Christmas period, which proved dif cult for us retirees. Also, every time we stepped over the military line, we needed escorting and insurance cover.
The North West Branch is in a sound nancial position. All our functions are self-funding. We are not there to make a pro t or loss for that matter and getting the balance right can be a little tricky at times. Our income comes from members’ subscriptions, donations and raf es nights.
Individuals attending the function donate the raf e prizes. It was amusing to hear that one couple won their donation and another saying it’s taken three years to get rid of theirs. A special mention must go to our raf e ticket sellers and folders Dot Goulding, Barbara Redding and any unfortunate coerced on the night. We thank them for their continued help and support.
So, for the rst time, we held the annual general meeting at Blackpool on the 7th December 2015. 20 members attended the AGM; including the much-needed support from our sister association in the North East. The AGM preceded the Christmas Dinner in which over 40 members attended. The hotel is just 220 yards from the golden sandy beaches and their management ensure our stay is as comfortable as possible.
ANNUAL RAPTC NORTH WEST REUNION
Shortly before our last meeting, Shaun Carey regrettably stood down as our Secretary and I hope to nd a new one as I am desperate for help. In the meantime, I pay tribute to my wife, Dot, who not only bears the brunt of this grumpy old man; she reminds me of what is outstanding and bullies me into action.
As a part of the Vegas of the north (the hotel’s words, not mine) the Ruskin Hotel in Blackpool is a home from home with all the modern facilities and comfort you would expect, even though it’s a 3* hotel. Costs have remained the same, and the service is second to none. But like any ageing community, we need new blood.
Our members gather from a large sprawled area of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cumbria, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Worcester, North Wales and Warwickshire. To nd a suitable date and venue to suit everyone would be dif cult. However, Blackpool is well known and suited for most regular attendees.
This year we had 63 members attending, including the SMAA, Steve Davis, at his last function before his promotion to ‘civilian street’ and the Regimental Secretary, Gary Jones. Our members include Billy and Pat Ferguson, who fall out of their beds to attend. Denise Kerridge via the Cumbria express; itters Dave and Barbara Redding, who spends their time between Lancaster and Outer Hebrides; Eddie and Pat McMinn, who travel from their Anglo-
Saxon manor of Halton. From the southern hemisphere, John and Connie Baker surf the River Avon from the market town of Rugby to meet up with Pat and Ralph Wills in Stourbridge.
Meanwhile, Landlubbers Tony and May Grainger dig themselves out of Trench near Telford; Clem McBride, Pete Scales, Alan and Brenda Duxbury journey the ‘long cut way’ around permanent road work from Shrewsbury and Oswestry areas. Stalwarts Don and Marianne Paterson, our Patriarch and Matriarch, travel from Burnley with bootlegged claret (courtesy of Ted Dixon) to toast their football team riding high in the Championship League.
To add to this motley crew is ex ‘Woolley Hatter’ Dave Orange, who attended our Christmas party and hangs off the A55 at St Asaph and rst timers (sorry old timers) Peter and Jennifer McDonald from their sunbathing spot in Southport. Dave is of Everest fame (that’s the mountain, not the windows) and Peter has recently completed another career in up and upholding the law. Rae and Pat Rutherford from Beverley and Johnny and Jean Ions from Catterick oat in from White Rose country and descend on the Fergusons.
Meanwhile, Arthur Paxton from Geordie land and Chris Kelly from Birkenhead meet up and box their way into oblivion. Yorkist’s Dave (metal man) and Caz Smith uproot from their tented accommodation in Haxby while Ian and Liz Dean brave the vagaries of the Pennines with Dave (the rave) Warburton courtesy of the Scarborough Fair. Cathy Warburton (I love Scarborough) couldn’t make it this time, but Trevor and Julie Bayes (good friends of Brian and Mary Stead). Dave Warburton courtesy should have picked up John Roberts, that traditional Welsh Welly user. John failed to cross the Pennine Way, so he stopped off to ponti cate with the all the stranded motorists and never quite made it.
Crime Watch
Other members’ high on the list of attendees is Lt Col Sheff Appleby, a peripatetic member who attends all the branch reunions, now with Chrissie. John and Anne Jennings, from Dewsbury, who also attend all the functions continues to support the North West as well as bereaved members. The Geordie duo Ted Dixon of international basketball of ciating fame and ‘muscle man’ Harry Grif ths, who brought his daughter Romanda – all the ever faithful who help to swell our numbers. Lastly, because she steams up from Colchester by a tractor, is Lyn Higgs. Lyn visits her parents in Pemberton near posh Orrell, where the Gouldings from Wigan live.
The theme of the night was a tribute to Brian Stead, where the family from in and around Preston attended and comforted Mary – she was very brave. But as the evening rumbled into reminiscence, Brian’s Stead’s favourite quote etched in our minds, re ecting times gone by:
‘Enjoy the company of others of like Mind, Body and Spirit, enjoying entertainment or reminiscing about goals scored, baskets made, strokes pulled and maidens charmed.’
Brian Stead 1996
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The Ruskin Hotel, Blackpool
North East Committee - Dave Smith, Dave Warburton and Ian Dean